It’s an annual tradition here on The Crescat, five years in the making, where I celebrate being completely under appreciated and snubbed in favor of that dude, what’s his name, Peters-something-or-another.

It’s a Blog Award for all us under appreciated types, and you are strictly forbidden from nominating anyone that has written a book… and that Peters guy. And fanciful cooking bird watching priests. And anybody else who has a blog better than me. So good luck with that.

*Rules, disclaimers, fine print and legalese: When making nominations please indicate category, blog name and include blog link. If you don’t, I will not mark the nomination. Please do not email me nominations. Leave them in the comment box. In the past, I have excepted email nominations but it got too damn confusing. Also, try to avoid duplicate nominations. If you see some one already made the nomination you intended; spare us.

If you were nominated but wish to disassociate yourself as far away from me as possible, email me at the_crescat@yahoo.com. I will understand perfectly.

… did you know all it takes to be a self proclaimed expert is a blog? Blogger will magically bestow these credentials upon you. Seriously. I got my fancifully engraved diploma right beside me… Doctorate in Catholic Stuff with a minor in Shitty Art. It’s totally legit.

Don’t believe me. There are all manor of experts blogging just search for yourself… marriage experts who are “experts” simply because they managed to make it down the aisle, child “psychologists” specializing in child rearing just because they have a kid or two, people giving medical advice because they once dated a doctor or worked as a receptionist in a chiropractor’s office, or simply Catholic “theologians” who write Catholic blogs because they converted and that makes them an expert in their field.

There’s no doubt some of these individuals are intelligent and well read but that does not mean they are in any position to be giving advice. And we are certainly not obligated to take their advice. In fact, I would strongly suggest you question it at every turn. My fantastic readers are always quick to bring it to my attention when I err, which is often. Good. It keeps me humble. If you don’t agree with me, marvelous! As the saying by Jane Austen goes “I do not want people to be agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them.”

Never ask for advice you aren’t prepared to hear. And if you do, always always consider the source. If you have a genuine concern; be it regarding your health, faith or love life, take it to legitimate sources. Seek the appropriate and professional counsel of someone who knows what the hell they are talking about. I guarantee you it won’t be found here on Blogger.

With that, I will now solemnly proclaim myself an expert in fire arms, divorce, food poisoning, liquor mixology, Catholic Kitsch and Queen of the Un-Finished Novena!

… I got new neighbors and, judging by the kitsch in their yard, they’re Catholic. Let the competition to be crowned the Tackiest Neighbor begin. At least this gives me an excuse to break out the Christmas lights a few months early. Oh, this is going to be so much fun.

… Started by St. Francis in 1223, the nativity scene has become an endearing symbol commemorating the birth of Christ. Such a beautiful sentiment… some how I don’t suppose St. Francis ever fathomed his idea would be morphed into some gloriously awful kitsch and that I would hold a contest to crown the tackiest.

Voting has been divided in three parts based on it’s sheer volume. The top ten tacky nativities will be featured when voting is closed December 24th. Vote now and may the crappiest kitsch win!